Main Idea

Videos

 
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Activities

Main Idea - Mini Lesson and Activities 

 

Determining the main idea is a foundational skill for all students. This lesson will help students learn how to write a main idea statement and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, a detail from the text, and theme. The scaffolded activities will guide your students in the understanding of main idea and how to write their own main idea statement based on a passage. 

This Product Includes:

  • Google Slides Mini Lesson: 14 slides that explain the main idea, how to write a main idea statement, and how to differentiate the main idea from topic, details, and the theme.  

  • Fill in the Blank Notes: Students can follow along with the lesson using this template.

  • Student Notes Sheet: Students use the Frayer Model to take notes on the information in the slides.

  • 3 Activities: 3 Interactive practice activities that will guide students in their understanding of the main idea.

  • Instructional Video: Video where I walk students through the slides and help them gain an understanding of how to find the main idea. 

Download Includes:

  • Link to a Google Slides Download (Notes and Student Notes Sheet)

  • Link to a YouTube Instructional Video 

  • PDF Versions 

  • Teacher Instructions

 

Main Idea: The Quest Activity Pack

 

ELA Unlimited Exclusive

You have done a great job teaching main idea and your students have completed the mini lesson and activities. Now it’s time for students to practice their main idea skills.

The Quests: 

  • Quest 1: Students will sort characteristics and examples of main idea, theme, and topic into a chart. This is a drag and drop activity. 

  • Quest 2: Students will read a short passage and determine the main idea and theme. They will analyze the differences between the two. 

  • Quest 3: Students will analyze the lyrics of a song and complete a main idea graphic organizer. 

  • Quest 4: Students will read an excerpt from Elijah of Buxton and complete a main idea graphic organizer.

  • Quest 5: Students will read an excerpt from The Unteachables and write their own main idea multiple choice questions. 


Download Includes:

  • Link to a Google Slides Download 

  • Link to excerpts 

  • Formatted PDF Versions 

  • Teacher Instructions

 

Main Idea Graphic Organizer

 

Use this graphic organizer to help students develop their understanding of main idea. Students will pick out three details from the text that support the main idea. This graphic organizer can be used with a story or passage of your choice.